Monday, March 29, 2010

I'm quite simply overwhelmed at starting this post, but I know if I don't do it now, it will disappear. So I'm going to share a list of things and places we've visited and then barrage this post with pictures to browse at discretion. It's been a lot of fun and we've put many more happy miles on our car.

*visited a maple surgaring farm*Wilford Woodruff's birthplace*Washington D.C.*GettysburgAt this juncture I would be remiss if I didn't thank our good friends, the D's, for their hospitality. We stayed with them in Annapolis and to say they were incredible hosts would be an understatement, if that's possible. We just wish we could've spend more time with THEM, but we were running around crazy trying to see all the sites. A funny thing though was on the way home we asked Wes and Kate which site/museum was their favorite. They answered, "the one with the fish and the big slide." WHAT? That's the museum we frequent monthly here in our own state. Oh well, someday they'll appreciate history.

*Sophie's birthdayThis little lady has changed so much in the last month. She's very vocal and loves to sing along with her siblings every song from 'Follow the Prophet', to 'Hi-Ho'. She's also become very assertive ... in fact, we're having flashbacks of Kate as a toddler. So we've strapped on our seatbelts for another volatile/expressive ride.

She's also very sweet and gives the best and tightest hugs I've experienced from a child. As the third child she's not about to be pushed aside and forgotten ... she's out to make her mark, and we love her for it.

Enjoy the highlights.

Wilford Woodruff's birthplaceKate catching drips from a newly tapped maple treeKate and Sophie soaking their toes in the sinkWashington MonumentCapitolView of the "Mall" toward the Capitol from top of Washington MonumentKate and Brigham Young inside the Capitol BuildingWhite HouseWorld War II MemorialFriends at Lincoln MemorialWashington DC temple as it "pops" in to view from the freewaySophie on temple groundsTemple groundsThe little lady blowing out candlesNot only was Sophie given gifts, but Wes and Kate too. These aprons are from Aunt Karen.Typical shot of Sophie sweeping her hair out of her eyes.

Monday, March 8, 2010

It was nearly 60 degrees today and just plain heavenly. We had the back door open for half of the day and the little ones freely ran in and out as they planted seeds (mustard seed from my spice rack), played kick ball, had a picnic in our screened-in back patio, and ran around screaming for the joy of being outside. It was glorious!

I was more productive today than usual and I'm crediting it to the weather as well. There's just something about a little sun in one's life.

I've also been thinking of the fond days of yester-year when Matt and I would fly down to Southern California during this week. It's when the USU Aggies were in the Big West and the conference basketball tournament was held in Anaheim. I was working in sales along with doing on-air stuff. One of the perks was: sell well and get a trip. Plus with the on-air status there was a deal where we would get into Disneyland and California Adventures for free (I won't link to them since they have plenty of influence everywhere else). The trip would basically cost us our meals and the tickets to the tournament. Oh the days of being footloose and fancy free. We were so spoiled, and we loved it. Those are some of those memories we 'look back on fondly'. Those were also the days when I never took pictures and so you'll just have to imagine.

I'm glad to be making memories, whether they're picnicking in the backyard with my children on a beautiful day, or losing my voice while cheering on the Aggies. Either way, I've learned I'm happy for the changes that come with regular life and the renewal I feel with seasonal change.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

"I'm thankful for today. Please bless we can go on a picnic and go camping and fishing with Grandma and Grandpa."

This is an event we did with my parents this past summer. Sometimes I'm amazed at what young children remember and retell you months later in full detail. He and Kate will also often talk about their visit to Papa's house (Matt's parents). And they'll state they want to go there. Now.

Often I'll ask myself, "I wonder if they'll remember this." My first memory is my 4th birthday party at my Aunt Shannon's house when my parents were on a trip to the Holy Land. So I'm assuming some of the things we're doing now will be remembered by Wes and Kate ... although I admit, I hope they DON'T remember some things (lack of parenting skills/patience/etc.)

Monday, March 1, 2010

I hope all of you, my blog friends, realize I use this medium as a way to journal and show our families what we're doing, so many miles away. It seems I often post the happy times, but don't you be fooled, we're exactly like everyone else and have our share of exasperation and frustration, hence the 'overwhelmed' part in our blog title.

This morning we made felt pizzas. It's an idea I got from a blog my friend introduced to me a few days ago. It was a successful project. I had a bag full of felt my sister gave to me as she was cleaning out her house before they left on their mission.

So here it is.It kept Kate's rapt attention for 30+ minutes, and Wes' about 15 minutes, until his train-building desires took him another direction.

Meanwhile in Primary yesterday, they must have been learning more versus to the song "Follow The Prophet". Since I haven't served in the main body of Primary yet, I only know some of the song and am unfamiliar with this part. But Kate has been singing over and over and over again this morning, "They were in the wilderness for 40 years."

When I first heard it I thought, "Wow, I'm thankful for such a great program and teachers for my children." But then after the 156th time of hearing that same line I said to Kate, "could you think of another song to sing because it's kind of driving me crazy."

She said, "How 'bout if I sing it like this, 'They were NOT in the wilderness for 40 years."

Oh well. I tried. And that was pretty funny. But still, as I write this, I've got a little helper singing it in my ear.